May 6, 1990
Principle and Pattern of Submission, Part Two
How can Christians live distinctive lives in a secular culture? Peter addresses this question specifically as it relates to submitting to earthly authority. Our freedom is conditioned by our responsibility to show respect to everyone, love our fellow believers, and fear God, who calls us to be good citizens. Alistair Begg reminds Christians that there will always be those who seek to destroy our faith, but we are to respond by doing good out of obedience to God.
Submission to Authority
13Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution,2 whether it be to the emperor3 as supreme, 14or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. 15For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants4 of God. 17Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
18Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. 19For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 24He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 25For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
Series: Standing Firm in Shaky Times, Volume 2
Other messages in: Standing Firm in Shaky Times, Volume 1
First Peter is a handbook for Christian Living. All of the foundations necessary for building lives of spiritual maturity are contained in these chapters. Peter’s readers were geographically scattered and in the face of all kinds of challenges, they needed to be theologically grounded. Jesus had given Peter the task of feeding and strengthening the sheep. This compelling, practical, vital letter is surely part of the response to that directive. Peter is clear about his purpose: to stimulate their faith, to assure them of the reliability of God’s word, and to encourage them to stand fast in God’s grace.
Peter’s assurance to those who belong to Christ is still a great encouragement today. In volume one of this series, Alistair Begg reminds Christians of our heavenly citizenship and calls listeners to continue growing in faith and hope in Christ through trials.
Other messages in: Standing Firm in Shaky Times, Volume 2
First Peter is a handbook for Christian Living. All of the foundations necessary for building lives of spiritual maturity are contained in these chapters. Peter’s readers were geographically scattered and in the face of all kinds of challenges, they needed to be theologically grounded. Jesus had given Peter the task of feeding and strengthening the sheep. This compelling, practical, vital letter is surely part of the response to that directive. Peter is clear about his purpose: to stimulate their faith, to assure them of the reliability of God’s word, and to encourage them to stand fast in God’s grace.
Volume two of this series challenges us to consider the Bible’s calling to Christians as citizens and as partners in the bond of marriage. Alistair Begg encourages us to stand firm on the foundation of God’s Word and to embrace the understanding that a life in Christ will be no stranger to suffering.
Other messages in: Standing Firm in Shaky Times, Volume 3
First Peter is a handbook for Christian Living. All of the foundations necessary for building lives of spiritual maturity are contained in these chapters. Peter’s readers were geographically scattered and in the face of all kinds of challenges, they needed to be theologically grounded. Jesus had given Peter the task of feeding and strengthening the sheep. This compelling, practical, vital letter is surely part of the response to that directive. Peter is clear about his purpose: to stimulate their faith, to assure them of the reliability of God’s word, and to encourage them to stand fast in God’s grace.
In volume three of this series, Alistair Begg points us to Peter’s instruction for living a godly life in the midst of persecution. Christians can persevere in times of great suffering by humbly and prayerfully entrusting ourselves to the Lord Jesus, who suffered in our place.
